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After investigation, the sound intensity of the temple bell was 72 decibels. (Representative image)
UPPCB regional officer DK Gupta confirmed that the notification was issued based on the sound level survey results but acknowledged the strong public response.
The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has withdrawn its notification seeking reduction in temple bell ringing after facing public backlash. On August 5, the UPPCB conducted a probe into the ringing of bells at the Hare Ram Hare Krishna temple located in the Gaur Saundaryam Society in Greater Noida West. After investigation, the intensity of the bell was 72 decibels, exceeding the allowable limits of 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
The initial complaint was lodged on July 30 by a resident who said he felt discomfort due to the loud ringing, prompting the UPPCB to serve a notice to the association's Apartment Owners Association (AOA). The notification requested that the volume of the chimes be reduced to comply with noise pollution standards.
The notice immediately met with strong resistance from residents of the society. Public outrage quickly spread through social media, with many residents expressing frustration at what they saw as disproportionate enforcement. Some feel that the UPPCB, while targeting temple bells, ignores more important sources of pollution such as industrial noise.
UPPCB regional officer DK Gupta confirmed that the notification was issued based on the sound level survey results but also acknowledged the strong public response. In view of the protests, the UPPCB decided to withdraw the notification.
Akhilesh Tiwari, a local resident, expressed dissatisfaction and felt that the pollution control board should focus on the main sources of pollution instead of the temple bell.
